Middle East Event Show 2025 concludes on a high, championing excellence in the events industry
More than 5,600 professionals, 100+ exhibitors, and 90+ speakers gathered for MEES 2025, culminating in a spectacular celebration of talent and creativity at the Middle East Event Awards.
Dubai, UAE – The 16th edition of the Middle East Event Show (MEES) drew to a powerful close, reinforcing its standing as the region's premier platform for live events, experiences, and MICE innovation. For the first time hosted at Sheikh Maktoum Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, MEES 2025 delivered a dynamic blend of thought leadership, cutting-edge showcases, and unmatched networking, attracting over 5,600 attendees from across the globe.
The show officially opened on 17 June, led by Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President – Venue Services Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, with Exhibition Director Amar Daginawala and Alan Kelly, Commercial & Strategy Director at Informa. Together, they set the stage for two days of bold ideas and meaningful exchange.
'This region is entering an ultra-accelerated era of event expansion, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' said Amar Daginawala, Exhibition Director of the Middle East Event Show as the industry gears up for the next chapter in Saudi Arabia from 17 – 18 September 2025 at The Arena Riyadh. This year will mark the launch of the Saudi Event Awards that will recognise the exceptional growth and innovation of the events industry in the Kingdom. 'As the industry rapidly scales, conversations around growing the full ecosystem, talent, infrastructure, and innovation, have never been more important. We need to ensure we're expanding capacity with purpose: building internal capability while attracting the right expertise to help shape the future of events in the region.'
His remarks come at a time when the regional events industry is growing rapidly. The GCC events sector, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia is valued at USD 78 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 121 billion by 2029, growing at a rate of 9% each year. Saudi Arabia's event management market is the fastest growing in the region, set to more than double from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 5.4 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 11%. Backed by Vision 2030 and major infrastructure projects, the Kingdom's MICE sector is also gaining momentum and set to grow significantly in the coming years.
Where Ideas, Innovation, and Industry Converged
Spanning 17–18 June, the exhibition and seminar program brought together trailblazers from more than 40 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, the UK, and the USA. With over 100 exhibitors on the show floor, attendees explored the latest in AV production, logistics, technology, creative services, staffing, and venue capabilities.
The content-rich agenda featured 35+ live sessions across two stages, spotlighting insights from leaders at Coca-Cola Arena, DXB LIVE, One World Rental, Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Electra, Ethara, PurpleGlo, and others. Discussions focused on sustainability, culture-led programming, immersive tech, generative AI, and monetization strategies reshaping audience engagement.
Buildup Powers Bold Experiences Across the Region
As a returning Platinum Sponsor at the Middle East Event Show 2025, Buildup reinforced its position as a driving force in the region's live events and exhibitions industry. With a portfolio spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, Buildup has delivered high-impact projects for global platforms such as ADIPEC, GITEX, IDEX, Cityscape Global, and ATM, partnering with leading organisations including ADNOC, EDGE, Tawazun Council, the Ministry of Interior (KSA), and NHC. Their presence at MEES 2025 reflects not just visibility, but a deeper commitment to shaping the future of experiential events.
With over 17 years of regional and international expertise, Buildup continues to expand its services and creative capabilities across new markets. Their approach goes beyond execution, focusing on immersive brand storytelling, market insight, and innovative design. As the region's experience economy evolves at pace, Buildup's long-term vision is clear: to champion purposeful partnerships, deliver meaningful impact, and set a new benchmark for excellence across the events and exhibitions space.
A Night of Recognition: The Middle East Event Awards 2025
On 19 June, the spotlight shifted to Madinat Jumeirah for the Middle East Event Award, a glittering celebration of the region's most impactful and visionary achievements. Over 1,000 industry leaders came together to honour excellence across 32 categories, from large-scale productions to rising stars and game-changing innovations.
'The awards are a reminder that every event is a creative and operational triumph, powered by people who dream big and deliver even bigger,' said Naomi Warmington, Senior Sustainability Manager at Informa Global and a Judge at the Middle East Event Awards. 'We're here to celebrate the imagination, resilience, and ambition shaping the future of experiences in the region.'
Winners of the Middle East Event Awards 2025:
Best Arts and Culture Event – ImaginExperience for Hegra After Dark
Best Association / Corporate Meeting – Joe Lewis Company (JLC) for Forbes 30/50 International Womens Day Summit
Best Community Event – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Hatta Cultural Nights 2024-2025
Best Employer of the Year (<100 employees) – Pop Up Global & Solas Middle East
Best Employer of the Year (>100 employees) – dmg events
Best Entertainment Production – People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration
Best Event Agency of the Year – People
Best Event Logistics Provider of the Year – EFM Global
Best Event Marketing Campaign of the Year – Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT
Best Event on a Budget – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Dubai Coffee Festival 2024
Best Event Photography & Videography – HH Photoshoot 2025
Best Event Recruitment Agency – ESMOS Recruitment
Best Event Space Design & Décor – Designlab Experience for Layali Diriyah 2025
Best Exhibition of the Year (<10,000 sqm) – NAC Fairs for The Baby Expo Dubai
Best Exhibition of the Year (>10,000 sqm) – Tahaluf for LEAP
Best Festival of the Year – Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi for Kayan Wellness Festival 2025 by LINKVIVA
Best Light & Sound Solution – Creative Technology for Harry Potter
Best Music Event – Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT
Best Social Event – fischerAppelt for 30 Years Anniversary Qatar Foundation
Best Sporting Event – BONA FIDE for The Longines Global Champions Tour Final & The Global Champions Arabian Tour 2024
Best Staffing Agency of the Year – eventlab
Best Stand Design & Build (<100 sqm) – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for FujiFilm at Medlab Middle East 2025 & The Collective for MINI at Downtown Design
Best Stand Design & Build (>100 sqm) –Buildup for Tawazun Council Stand at IDEX 2025
Best Supplier of the Year – ELECTRA & ShowTex
Best Sustainability Initiative – People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration
Best Temporary Venue or Structure – ELECTRA for CHANEL Haute Joaillerie Sport Dinner and Exhibition
Best Use of New Technology at an Event – The Originals + Dubai Future Foundation for Our Future(s)
Best Venue (<10,000 sqm) – Space42 Arena
Best Venue (>10,000 sqm) – Etihad Arena
Best Video Solution – Creative Technology for LIWA
Outstanding Brand Activation Event – Informa for World Health Expo (WHX)
Young Achiever of the Year – Ailsa Williamson from Tahaluf
The celebrations of the industry do not come to a close yet as the Saudi Event Awards launch in Riyadh on 18 September with 28 award categories. The awards will gather the who's who of the MICE and live industry honouring companies and people who have delivered exceptional projections in the Kingdom.
The Future Starts Now
As the curtains close on MEES 2025, the energy, momentum, and ambition it sparked will continue to resonate across the region's growing experience economy. The show will return in 2026, with even greater reach, deeper impact, and a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of what live events can achieve.
For more information about the Middle East Event Show, please visit the official website: https://informaconnect.com/middle-east-event-show/.
To find out how you can participate in the upcoming Saudi Event Show, visit www.saudi-eventshow.com
CONTACT:
Tricia Jimenea
Email: tricia@comcomea.com
Zyad Mesallati
Email: zyad@comcomea.com
About Informa Connect
Informa Connect is a division of Informa plc, a global business that is listed on the London Stock Exchange and a member of the FTSE 100. Informa plc. has a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries with 11,000+ colleagues. Informa Connect is a live events and digital platform specialist connecting individuals and professionals with knowledge, ideas and opportunities. Our purpose is to champion the specialist. Through hundreds of powerful brands, we work with businesses and professionals in specialist markets, providing the connections, intelligence and opportunities that help customers grow, do business, make breakthroughs and take better informed decisions. Operating major branded events in Finance, Biotech & Pharma and in a number of other specialist markets and connect communities online year-round.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
16 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Gulf Business panel: What's next for IPOs, investments and generational wealth in UAE?
Image credit: Supplied/Gulf Business The Gulf Business panel, held on June 25, 2025, head at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, brought together an exceptional lineup of industry leaders to delve into some of the most pressing topics shaping the future of finance and investment in the region. Read- The event explored a range of key themes, from the growing popularity of residence-by-investment programs — commonly referred to as 'golden visas' — to the evolving outlook for UAE initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2025 and beyond. Another critical focus was the impact of the world's largest generational wealth transfer, and how it is expected to reshape investment strategies not only in the UAE but across global markets. Each panel session was thoughtfully curated, featuring insights from leading voices in investment, banking, and business setup. Among the standout speakers were: Damian Hitchen , CEO of Saxo Bank MENA Muhammed Hassan , capital markets Leader at PwC Yasmine Omari , head of wealth planning at Bank of Singapore George Hojeige , group CEO of Virtugroup Yogesh Khairajani , global market strategist at Century Financial Their collective expertise offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of emerging financial trends and actionable strategies for navigating the evolving economic landscape. As global and regional dynamics continue to shift, the Gulf Business panel reaffirmed the UAE's position as a strategic hub for investment innovation and long-term growth planning. Agenda Panel Discussion 1: From the UAE to the world: global mobility & residence by investment Topic: How geopolitical shifts are reshaping citizenship and relocation strategies Moderator: Claire Vuylsteke, Director, Orbcom Speakers George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtugroup Rahul Singh, managing director, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental Sanjay Sachdev, group marketing director at Leptos Estates Greece and Cyprus Vishwajit Patil, senior executive officer (SEO) for Nuvama Private DIFC Key discussion points: Residence-by-investment options for UAE-based HNWIs Global mobility trends in a volatile world Strategic planning for personal and capital security Panel Discussion 2: UAE IPO outlook: 2025 and beyond Topic: What's next in the UAE's capital markets — and how investors can benefit Moderator: Nigel Sillitoe – CEO of Insight Discovery Speakers: Yogesh Khairajani, Global Market Strategist, Century Financial Manasvi Ghelani, Associate Director – Customer Engagement, Middle East Africa, Frost & Sullivan Muhammed Hassan, Capital Markets Leader at PwC Key discussion points: The next wave of public listings Market readiness vs global exchanges The impact of macroeconomic factors like interest rates and tariffs Panel Discussion-3: How the world's largest shift in capital is reshaping investment strategies in the UAE and beyond Moderator: Karishma Hingorani, Founder & Podcaster, Karishma Konnect Speakers: Damian Hitchen, CEO of Saxo Bank MENA Yasmine Omari, head of wealth planning, Bank of Singapore Gemma Wild, head of global collaboration, MENA GPB, HSBC Dave Chaggar, sales director, Capital Club Limited Key discussion points: Trillions in motion: The great wealth transfer and what it means Digital natives and changing investment priorities Succession planning, private banking, and wealth tech in the UAE Business exits are often celebrated as the ultimate badge of entrepreneurial success—but the truth behind the glossy headlines tells a more complex story. From clashes in corporate culture to misaligned visions and the hidden pressures of investor relationships, exits are less about escape and more about evolution. At the Gulf Business panel event held on June 25, 2025, industry leaders like Virtugroup's George Hojeige dismantled the myth of 'free money' and underscored the vital importance of choosing the right partners. Meanwhile, Dubai continues to position itself as a magnet for global wealth and IPO activity, setting the stage for a new era in capital movement, family investment strategy, and entrepreneurial transformation. Untold truth behind business exits: It's not as rosy as it looks Investors are not passive backers—they become deeply involved in the business. 'Nobody gives you money and walks away. They'll ask what you're doing with it, what your future looks like. Free money doesn't exist,' George Hojeige, group CEO, Virtugroup said at a keynote session at the Gulf Business panel event. A mismatch in vision or values, he warned, can derail even the strongest companies. 'It doesn't matter how much capital they bring—if they don't share your vision, you're doomed from day one,' Hojeige added. He pointed to Microsoft's 2014 acquisition of Nokia as a cautionary tale. 'It looked like a perfect match—two giants coming together. But the cultures clashed. Microsoft was fast-moving and innovation-driven. Nokia was traditional and process-focused. The result? Massive layoffs and a failed merger.' The message to fellow founders is clear: an exit is not just a transaction—it's a transformation. 'Pick the right partner. It's not just about money. It's about shared goals, culture, and a vision for the future. If you get that wrong, no amount of funding can fix it.' UAE stays ahead in global race for investment, and quality of life Globally, jurisdictions are now competing to offer the most attractive conditions for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to relocate. The UAE, especially since the introduction of the Golden Visa, has positioned itself as a strong hub for business operations and investment. However, it's important to note that other jurisdictions are also enhancing their offerings to increase their appeal. As a result, the UAE must continue to attract both locals and internationals by remaining competitive and forward-thinking. Dubai's ecosystem a magnet for global family offices With Dubai emerging as a premier destination for global wealth and family office services, Vishwajit Patil, senior executive officer (SEO) of Nuvama Private DIFC, believes the city's strategic location, efficient systems, and favorable regulatory environment are key drivers in attracting high-net-worth families from across the globe. Speaking at an early morning panel discussion, Patil highlighted the recent expansion of Nuvama Private into the UAE. 'We launched our operations in Dubai around August 2024, and it's been an incredibly exciting journey,' he said. 'Our management strategy reflects the growing importance of the region in serving global clients, especially in navigating financial strategies and tax-related challenges.' When evaluating relocation destinations, clients typically consider five key pillars: Geopolitical stability Healthcare and education infrastructure Cost of living and lifestyle Strategic location and connectivity Ease of business setup and residency options 'In all these aspects, Dubai stands out,' Patil stated. 'Whether it's the efficiency of the Golden Visa process, access to top-tier healthcare and education, or the agility of government systems — the UAE offers an unmatched level of service and speed.' UAE IPO outlook: 2025 and beyond An Initial Public Offering (IPO) occurs when a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time. This process marks a significant milestone for any business and involves multiple stakeholders including company leadership, regulatory authorities, investment bankers, lawyers, and both institutional and retail investors. A major development in the UAE capital markets is the emergence of IPO-focused investment funds. These funds allow retail investors to gain exposure to a broad portfolio of IPOs, rather than picking individual companies. 'IPO funds have become a powerful tool for investors,' Yogesh Khairajani, global market strategist, Century Financial explained. 'They're particularly useful in cases where IPOs are oversubscribed, which is quite common in the UAE. Through these funds, investors can still gain exposure to promising public listings.' Among the most notable initiatives is the Abu Dhabi IPO Fund, which has drawn considerable interest from both institutional and retail participants. 'The Abu Dhabi IPO Fund has made it much easier for investors to participate in a wide array of new listings,' said Khairajani. 'It reduces the risk of having to choose just one company to invest in. Instead, investors benefit from the fund manager's expertise in selecting high-potential IPOs, which in turn provides a more diversified and balanced investment strategy.' Family investment strategies undergoing a structural shift During a panel discussion titled ' How the World's Largest Shift in Capital is Reshaping Investment Strategies in the UAE and Beyond,' Yasmine Omari, head of wealth planning at Bank of Singapore, highlighted a significant transformation in how families are managing and deploying their capital. 'What I've noticed is a real evolution in how families are investing,' Omari said. 'We're not just talking about a generational transition; we're talking about a transformation in process, strategy, and mindset.' She pointed to a range of contributing factors, including increasing diversification across asset classes, growing sophistication, and a marked shift toward institutional-style investing. According to Omari, many families are moving beyond the traditional model of simply reinvesting profits from their operating businesses. Instead, they are using those businesses as platforms for broader investment activity. 'Some families have set up internal investment teams or even mini family-owned funds, complete with governance structures and dedicated professionals,' she noted. 'In certain cases, they've even spun off entirely separate businesses focused on investing or technology.' As these efforts scale, Omari emphasised the growing importance of structure and governance. The evolution is not only in capital deployment but also in decision-making dynamics. 'Whereas before, you might have had the founder and maybe one or two close relatives making decisions, now you have multiple generations and branches of the family participating,' she explained. 'That increases the need for clear communication, governance, and consensus-building.'
Zawya
17 minutes ago
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf markets gain on Iran-Israel truce
Most stock markets in the Gulf edged higher on Wednesday, extending gains from previous sessions when they rose sharply following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to be holding on Wednesday, a day after both countries signalled that their air conflict had ended, at least for now. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index added 0.1% in choppy trade, helped by a 1% rise in Saudi National Bank, the country's biggest lender by assets. The recent rally was fuelled by reduced geopolitical tensions following the ceasefire, which encouraged investors to return to riskier assets, said George Pavel General Manager at Middle East. Oil prices recovered a little after sliding earlier this week, as investors assessed the stability of the ceasefire, while support also came from data that showed U.S. demand was relatively strong. Traders and analysts also saw some support from market expectations that the Federal Reserve could soon cut U.S. interest rates. The Fed's decision affects monetary policy in the Gulf where most currencies, including the Saudi riyal, are pegged to the U.S. dollar. Dubai's main share index added 0.4%, led by a 1.3% rise in top lender Emirates NBD. In Abu Dhabi, the index finished 0.2% higher. The Qatari index advanced 1.1%, boosted by a 1.8% gain in the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index climbed 1.2%, hitting its highest since March 2024, with Commercial International Bank closing 1.3% higher. Egypt's prime minister said gas supplies would resume to factories on Friday after being halted in recent days because tensions in the Middle East led to a shortage, a cabinet statement said on Wednesday. SAUDI ARABIA up 0.1% to 10,974 Abu Dhabi rose 0.2% to 9,811 Dubai added 0.4% to 5,613 QATAR gained 1.1% to 10,644 EGYPT up 1.2% to 33,003 BAHRAIN was up 0.5% to 1,921 OMAN lost 0.6% to 4,514 KUWAIT added 0.7% to 8,963
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
"Emirates Environmental Group" supports the Circular Economy through a leading dialogue on waste valorisation
Habiba Al Mar'ashi: 'Waste is a valuable resource that drives innovation and economic opportunities.' Dubai, UAE – The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) successfully organised its 3rd Panel Discussion of the year under the powerful theme: 'Your Waste, My Treasure: Advancing Circular Economy through Waste Valorisation.' The event that took place on 25th June 2025 was hosted by Dubai Chambers, it brought together a diverse group of experts, youth, and sustainability stakeholders to explore the transformative role of waste valorisation in achieving a circular economy in the UAE and the wider region. The event opened with EEG's renowned Inter-School Debate between member schools of the Emirates Environmental Group which was launched earlier in the year, where students enthusiastically debated the motion: 'Waste Valorisation: A Key to Achieving Circular Economy in the UAE and Beyond?' Representing the Proposition, The Millennium School, Dubai argued that, 'Waste valorisation enables resource efficiency, reduces landfill dependence and is central to closing the loop in a circular economy.' Speaking for the Opposition, JSS International School, Dubai countered, 'Waste valorisation alone is insufficient; without systemic change in consumption, design and infrastructure, circularity cannot be fully achieved and realised.' This engaging youth segment reflects EEG's strong commitment to environmental education and to nurturing the next generation of sustainability champions. While the expert panel discussion brought together a stellar lineup of natinal and regional sustainability thought leaders and innovators, including Mr. Tim Clarke, CEO of Warsan Waste Management Company; Ms. Ceylan Üren, Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer of The Waste Lab; Dr. Udayan Banerjee, Advisor to the CEO of Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC; Prof. Mohammednoor Al Tarawneh from UAE University; Ms. Muna Al Nahdi, Director of Sustainability & Consultancy at FARNEK; Eng. Ahmed Moosa Alkhajeh, Head of Waste Project Design and Implementation Section - Waste Strategy and Projects Department, Dubai Municipality; and Dr. Daker AlRabaya, CEO of Waste Processing & Recycling Business at BEEAH Group. The session delivered a breadth of ideas, with dynamic, back-and-forth exchanges that elevated the discussion beyond expectations. Speakers shared sector-specific updates, highlighted key challenges, and explored the potential for cross-sector collaboration—captivating the audience and sparking significant interest. They addressed not only the complex issues surrounding waste management but also constructively challenged and supported one another's viewpoints, contributing to a dialogue that was open, inclusive, and free from bias. A robust audience Q&A segment followed, with questions coming from attendees of all backgrounds, including engaged high school students. If not for time constraints, the discussion could have continued well beyond the allotted hour, as each speaker had more to contribute. The discussion witnessed attendance from private sector, government agencies, schools, media, VIPs and foreign dignitaries. 'The conversation during the panel discussion was a vital step towards mobilising actionable solutions to ensure that waste is no longer seen as a burden, but as a valuable resource that drives innovation, economic opportunity, and environmental resilience,' said Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-Founder & Chairperson of EEG who moderated the session. She added: 'Bringing together voices from industry, government, academia and youth created a collaborative platform to accelerate the region's transition to a truly circular economy.' Throughout the session, participants explored the environmental, economic and social impacts of waste valorisation, the development of cutting-edge technologies such as the Warsan Waste-to-Energy facility, and Dubai's bold vision to achieve zero landfill by 2030. The dialogue underscored the UAE's role as a regional pioneer in embedding circular economy principles into national sustainability frameworks. Key themes that emerged during the discussion included the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the shift from waste to resource; the growing relevance of innovative reuse, recycling and upcycling models; and the central role of policy, behavioural change and education in enabling circularity. Experts also stressed the need for robust metrics, system design, and investment in innovation ecosystems to scale up impact and achieve long-term sustainability goals. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal #13: Climate Action, and Goal #17: Partnerships for the Goals, this panel reaffirmed the urgent need for integrated, inclusive and forward-thinking approaches to address global environmental challenges and unlock a regenerative, circular future for the UAE and beyond. This impactful forum was made possible through the generous support of McDonald's UAE and Accenture, who served as the Main Sponsors—demonstrating their long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation. Farnek contributed as the Support Contributor, reinforcing their leadership in environmental solutions. The event also benefited from the hospitality of Al Khoory Hotel, who provided catering services, and was enriched by the ongoing collaboration with EEG's Panel Discussions Partner, the Arabia CSR Network. Additional support came from prominent organisations including the Emirates Green Building Council, the Clean Energy Business Council, and the Swiss Business Council, showcasing a unified drive toward cross-sector environmental impact. Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the 1st environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
